Actual Battery Life of X1

[phancj]

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Hi all,

 

Ever tried counting the total number of shots the X1 is capable of taking before battery runs out? I seem to be able to take over 300 photos in both jpeg fine and raw.

 

I think that is great battery life! I fact, my spare battery is almost never used!

 

Let's all try to document the bettery life of X1, together with chimping:D

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[Guest badbob]

I got over one thousand shots at night, shooting mostly 6-shot bursts. The screen was dark most of the time even though it was on and set to high brightness. So I think most people's experience with short battery life is due to walking around and activating the screen often even though they don't snap that many photos.

[ChiILX1]

My battery life is great.

I think an easy fix for battery life is a firmware update where the aperture doesn't constantly adjust itself when I have the screen off and / or I have the aperture manually set. Seems like a no-brainer.

[phancj]

I got over one thousand shots at night, shooting mostly 6-shot bursts. The screen was dark most of the time even though it was on and set to high brightness. So I think most people's experience with short battery life is due to walking around and activating the screen often even though they don't snap that many photos.

 

Wow! So it is more the LCD that drains the battery?

[ChiILX1]

Wow! So it is more the LCD that drains the battery?

 

I'd say so. I get great battery life having the LCD off and use the viewfinder. Have the screen on low brightness and don't review my photos often.

[phancj]

I'd say so. I get great battery life having the LCD off and use the viewfinder. Have the screen on low brightness and don't review my photos often.

 

And I thought the subpar LCD is supposed to drain less battery?

[ChiILX1]

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And I thought the subpar LCD is supposed to drain less battery?

 

It probably does. But I mean, if you think about what the camera's doing, is it any surprise that turning off it's miniature television that not only constantly renders but also lights up, will save battery?

 

Seriously though- they need to get rid of that annoying aperture fidgeting it does with the firmware update and then you will watch your battery life go up 10% at least.

[phancj]

It probably does. But I mean, if you think about what the camera's doing, is it any surprise that turning off it's miniature television that not only constantly renders but also lights up, will save battery?

 

Seriously though- they need to get rid of that annoying aperture fidgeting it does with the firmware update and then you will watch your battery life go up 10% at least.

 

Hmmm, maybe thats a more compelling proposition to buy the VF, coz right now I do not see the need for one even in bright sunlight.

[ChiILX1]

Hmmm, maybe thats a more compelling proposition to buy the VF, coz right now I do not see the need for one even in bright sunlight.

 

Another great reason is that you look like you know what you are doing more. Where I live, there are plenty of tourists walking around viewing the world at arms length through a 3'' screen. Having a viewfinder gives me a live view, and I believe, commands a bit more respect if someone notices you.

[phancj]

Another great reason is that you look like you know what you are doing more. Where I live, there are plenty of tourists walking around viewing the world at arms length through a 3'' screen. Having a viewfinder gives me a live view, and I believe, commands a bit more respect if someone notices you.

 

Frankly I do not care about what others think and I do not hold the X1 at arm's length, but much closer. my concern is always to take the best photos I can. Saving battery seems a more compelling reason to buy the VF than the other reasons so far.

[ravinj]

Frankly I do not care about what others think and I do not hold the X1 at arm's length, but much closer. my concern is always to take the best photos I can. Saving battery seems a more compelling reason to buy the VF than the other reasons so far.

 

phancj, I purchased an extra batteries from eBay for $18 each and they are great. So I carry a total of 3 batteries - one in the camera and two in the case. It does not add any bulk. This way I am able to do full day's worth of shooting + use LCD all the time without worries. VF adds bulk and makes you stand out for street shooting which you don't want to do.

[phancj]

phancj, I purchased an extra batteries from eBay for $18 each and they are great. So I carry a total of 3 batteries - one in the camera and two in the case. It does not add any bulk. This way I am able to do full day's worth of shooting + use LCD all the time without worries. VF adds bulk and makes you stand out for street shooting which you don't want to do.

 

You may be right, I purchased the original battery (gulp!) but never really saw a need to use it thus far as the X1 battery is actually superb and enough for a day of shooting in my case.

 

I am divided on the VF thingy, I never saw the need in bright sunlight but I think the multitude of users who rave about it is getting me to look at it again. I tried the Voightlander and it was ok but the metal portion may scratch my glasses. The Leica I have not tried yet.

 

I keep thinking I do not need the VF but so many experienced users suggest otherwise. Hmmm.....

[ChiILX1]

Frankly I do not care about what others think and I do not hold the X1 at arm's length, but much closer. my concern is always to take the best photos I can. Saving battery seems a more compelling reason to buy the VF than the other reasons so far.

 

I just like to avoid clichés

[RichardM8]

I have no issues with the battery life. I only frame with the LCD and I usually get around 220 - 250 shots from a battery. Fine by me.